Mercedes wrap up pre-season testing

Mercedes ended pre-season on a positive note, as Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas took the W08’s eight day test haul to a massive 1,096 total laps (5,102km) – equivalent to over 16 race distances at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Bottas drove the W08 in the morning, continuing the team’s preparations for the season opener in Australia with 53 laps on his final run before the first race of the 2017 Formula One season proper.

The Finn signed off on Friday with a total 628 laps across the two weeks of testing – the most of any driver – and applauded the efforts of his team-mates at Brackley and Brixworth for the new Silver Arrows’ performance during pre-season.

“I got in a reasonable amount of laps on my last morning in the car and leave testing feeling confident and ready to race,” said Bottas. “I feel that as a team we have been able to improve how we work together, that we have a great spirit and real will to win.

“We've been testing lots of things, so it's going to take a long time to analyse everything that we've done. I've had a massive learning curve over these eight days and that will continue but I can't wait for the start lights to go out in Melbourne.”

Hamilton wrapped up the team’s pre-season testing programme in the afternoon with another 54 laps to take his tally in Barcelona to 468.

While the triple World Champion is feeling confident after a solid winter for Silver Arrows, he is expecting a close battle with rivals Ferrari and Red Bull come Melbourne.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas

“It's been a busy winter for us,” said Hamilton. “I don't remember how it was last year but this felt like a good couple of weeks. We're working together better than ever as a team and Valtteri has done great to blend in and do a solid job. We've had our up and down days with the car, learnt a lot from that and made plenty of changes. I'm happy with what we've gained knowledge-wise and feel confident we got everything we needed from this test to go out and fight in Melbourne.

“The others seem quick, so it looks like we have a good battle on our hands. Ferrari have been doing a fantastic job. I think there's more to come from them but their pace here has really been spectacular. I don't know if Red Bull had their full package here. Usually they bring that to the first race but they're definitely still up there and I expect a serious fight with both of those teams. I've never wished to dominate. Of course, I want a car that I can go out and fight for a Championship with - but for the fans it's best when there's multiple teams fighting for it.”